On September 6, 2023, the UB│AI Chat Series launched with an interdisciplinary faculty panel discussion, moderated by Venu Govindaraju, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, and vice president for research and economic development.
Following introductory remarks from President Satish K. Tripathi and special guest SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., Dr. Govindaraju reflected on the progression of AI and UB's longstanding history of innovation in the field, including the pioneering handwriting recognition system used by the United States Postal Service and UB's new NSF-funded National AI Institute for Exceptional Education. The panelists also discussed AI's potential benefits to society, the reality of AI's ethical concerns and the widespread need for AI literacy.